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A Christmas Twist

I’ve posted this before, but it seems appropriate to let it loose again at this time of year…

In a few days now it’ll be Christmas, a time of good cheer. Well, that’s the propaganda anyway. But, before you start comparing me to Scrooge, let me reassure you that I love Christmas. Sometimes, though, expectations can get in the way of our enjoyment. Fortunately, I had an experience quite early in life that helped me see things a little differently.

When I was 13, I spent Christmas with my dad for the first time in 4 years. I should say that the flat my dad lived in was pretty grotty. It was all on one level and had big rooms with high ceilings. The flat’s layout meant it was very well spread out, and it was all heated by a single gas fire. This wasn’t a great place to stay in the middle of winter.

But it didn’t matter because I got to spend Christmas with my dad.

In my lifetime, there’s always been a lot of store put on presents at Christmas. Even so, when I look back at all the Christmases I’ve had over the years, any recollection of presents is pretty limited. Oddly enough, the clearest memories are of Matchbox vintage cars in my stocking when I was around seven or eight. I’m sure I got a bike one year as well. (I did get another bike a few years later, but that might have been a birthday present.)

What that tells me, though, is that presents haven’t left me with any lasting memories. And that’s certainly true of the Christmas in question. I can’t even remember there being any decorations up, but I don’t feel cheated by that. The point is, I had a brilliant day because I got to share it with someone I loved.

The most memorable thing, though, was when my dad asked me what I wanted for dinner. That’s a strange thing to ask on Christmas Day, isn’t it? And while people are more inclined to go off piste these days, back in the ‘70s Christmas Dinner pretty much meant a big bird and stuffing.

“You don’t understand, do you? Christmas Dinner should be what you want to eat.”

Which is brilliant, isn’t it? It’s a concept that’s stuck with me ever since, and I’ve reflected on it pretty much every year as I’ve observed people struggling to get all the component parts of a meal cooked and ready at exactly the right time. Stress levels can go through the roof as they strive for a perfection that’s unlikely to materialise. And then the meal is finished in a fraction of the time it took to plan and prepare it, and the cook is left wondering whether it was worth the effort. (It’s worth noting as well that one of the most advertised products over the Christmas period is Rennie.)

Yes, when I reflect on it, I can’t help but look back with great fondness at the dinner I shared with my dad that day. And I’m grateful to him for giving me that new perspective. To be fair, I wouldn’t go out of my way now to recommend that meal to anyone. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found it doesn’t have quite the same appeal. But, very occasionally, when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic, and I want to recreate that happy memory, I do still make myself fried eggs and mashed potatoes.

Everyone reading this will have their own idea of what makes Christmas special, but I wrote this now because sometimes it’s very easy for us to fall into the trap of doing what everyone else does.

So, as you finalise your plans for Christmas, consider doing something different. The real gift is creating happy memories, and if something simple but unusual happens, it will be memorable.

That is my view entirely Graeme 🙂
Your post rang bells, of course, of all the best times… all of them when Christmas was on a shoestring as far as ‘things’ were concerned, but they really were the best ones.

Just beautiful, Sue. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of Christmas with your dad. And its a point well taken. It is more important to be with someone you love and actually enjoy the day and the experience than to see how closely you can conform to all of the expectations wrapped around the holiday. My husband feels the same way. When asked what he wants for Christmas, his stock answer is “Peace.” Hugs and best wishes for happiness in your family this Christmas, Elizabeth

I’m glad it helped. (Surprised… but glad.) I share stories on here because they mean a lot to me. Never really expect them to make a difference to anyone else, so thank you for your comment. I hope tomorrow will be a better day for you.